What Are The Benefits Of Using Organic Methods To Control Garden Cutworms?
Fellow gardeners, have you ever encountered cutworms in your beloved garden? These pesky insects can be a real nuisance as they have a remarkable appetite for young seedlings, and can sometimes feast on the entire plant overnight. Fear not, for we have gathered some DIY remedies to help you get rid of cutworms naturally.
Before we delve into the remedies, it is important to understand what cutworms are and how they behave. Cutworms are caterpillars that are commonly found in lawns and gardens. They are nocturnal creatures that feed on young seedlings and plants at night. Cutworms are generally brown in colour, and are about an inch in length. They are called cutworms because they often cut through the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die.
Now that we know what cutworms are, let us move onto the DIY remedies to get rid of them.
1. Handpicking
The first remedy is good old-fashioned handpicking. Simply go into your garden at night, when the cutworms are out and about, and pick them off by hand. This method is effective for smaller gardens, but may not be practical for larger ones. You can also use a flashlight to help you spot the cutworms.
2. Beneficial Insects
Another natural way to get rid of cutworms is to introduce beneficial insects into your garden. These insects are natural predators of cutworms and will help to keep their population under control. Some beneficial insects include braconid wasps, parasitic flies, and ground beetles. You can attract these insects to your garden by planting flowers and herbs that they like, such as marigolds, dill, and fennel.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. This powder is abrasive and can help to control cutworms. Simply sprinkle the powder around the base of your plants in the evening, after the sun has set. When the cutworms come out to feed at night, they will come into contact with the powder and it will dehydrate them. Be sure to use food grade diatomaceous earth, as other types may contain harmful chemicals.
4. Cornmeal
Cornmeal is another effective way to get rid of cutworms. Simply sprinkle some cornmeal around the base of your plants and the cutworms will eat it. However, they cannot digest the cornmeal, which will cause their stomachs to swell and burst, killing them. This method may take some time to work, so be patient and persistent.
5. Garlic Spray
Garlic spray is a natural insecticide that is easy to make at home. To make the spray, simply blend a handful of garlic cloves with a cup of water, strain the mixture, and then dilute it with more water. Spray the mixture over your plants in the evening, after the sun has set. The strong odour of garlic will repel the cutworms and other pests, and the enzymes in the garlic will also kill them.
6. Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is a long-term solution to cutworm infestations. Cutworms are attracted to certain plants, so by rotating your crops every year, you can disrupt their life cycle and prevent them from infesting your garden. For example, if you had tomatoes in one spot in your garden this year, move them to a different spot next year. This will prevent the cutworms from laying their eggs in the same spot and allow natural predators to catch up.
7. Companion Planting
Companion planting is a natural way to protect your plants from cutworms and other pests. By planting certain plants together, you can create a mutually beneficial environment that will repel pests and attract beneficial insects. For example, planting basil, marigolds, and dill with your tomatoes will help to repel cutworms, while attracting beneficial insects.
We hope that these DIY remedies will help you get rid of cutworms naturally and protect your garden. Remember to be patient and persistent, as it may take some time to see results. Good luck, fellow gardeners!
